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Asthma and Interstitial lung disease

Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: Aug 21, 2023 | Replies (19)

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@sueinmn

@jmb73 It's always frightening to have a diagnosis like ILD - something most of us have probably never heard of. That's how I felt when I learned about having bronchiectasis plus pseudomonas and MAC. I was so happy to join Mayo Connect and find others with the same conditions and learn how to manage.
I just went and read the links Merry provided, and it was a lot like reading about bronchiectasis. It is serious, and may be progressive. With bronchiectasis, I choose to call it a life sentence, something to be lived with, not a death sentence.
I see that you are under the care of a doctor who has a plan for you. The Breo is your long-term anti-inflammatory. The nebulizer is your day-to-day controller to be used up to 4 nebs per day, even if you don't feel the need in the moment. The rescue inhaler is meant to be just that - when the other two regularly used together are not enough.
So given all that is going on in your life, what can you do to help yourself?
First, use your meds as prescribed. All of them, to help your breathing, your blood pressure and AFIB, arthritis, etc. If you are being seen by several different specialists, make sure one doc or a pharmacist looks at all of your meds, prescription and other, to make sure they are not "fighting" with one another.
Next, find something positive in each day - as simple as the sun coming in the window, a hot cup of tea, a little piece of good chocolate. Look here for ideas: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Finally, turn off the endless stream of bad news and pamper yourself in a small way to relax - a warm bath or shower, a walk around the yard to see what's coming up, music...
I'll be back soon to see how you're doing.
Sue

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Replies to "@jmb73 It's always frightening to have a diagnosis like ILD - something most of us have..."

Hi Sue, Thank you for your support. I am taking the nebulizer every day and it's helping. My family gave me an apple watch for Christmas and my cardiologist said it will show if my heart rate goes too high and I get an AFIB episode. If that happens, I am to take an extra metopropol and it should lower the heart rate. I had a "phone" appointment with him and he reassured me as I was very concerned about going to the hospital if my rate goes too high. My kids have been super and my "unemployed" son and his family walk over to see my husband and I every morning . We stay in the garage and tell the kids (2 &3) we are sick so they play in the driveway and don't come near us. They don't stay long but it really helps. I realize that I am very lucky to have a great family and will practice my yoga breathing when I get depressed. My rheumatologist told me he can't help me as all of his medications will lower my already low immune system. So I have one less doctor to see. Unfortunately, I no longer can take NSAIDS and I am in constant pain. I am going to increase my CBD/THC as I know the pain is causing me to be depressed. It's frustrating but I will keep listing all the good things I have and try to get rid of the negativity. Thank you for your help. Stay safe.